Also known as:

bayabas-bayabasan,kapurko, katanda, katandang aso, pakagonkon, sonting (Tag.); andadasi,

andadasi-a-dakdakel, andadasi-bugbugtong (Ilk.); adadisi (Ting.); ancharasi (Ig.); andalan
(Sul.); bayabasin, bikas-bikas (Bik., Tag., Bis.,); kasitas (Bik., Bis.); sunting, palo china (Bis.);
pakayomkom kastila (Pamp.); ringworm bush or shrub (Engl.), Acapulco (Engl)
Akapulko is used as herbal medicine and is a shrub that grows wild in the tropical climate of
Philippines. Akapulko is widely used in the Philippines as herbal medicine. The akapulko leaves
contain chrysophanic acid, a fungicide that is used to treat fungal
infections, like ringworms, scabies and eczema.. Akapulko leaves are also
known to be sudorific, diuretic and purgative, usedto treat intestinal
problems including intestinal parasites. Akapulko is also used as herbal
medicine to treat bronchitis and asthma. Because of Akapulkos anti-
fungal properties, it is a common ingredient in soaps, shampoos, and
lotions in the Philippines. The Philippine Council for Health Research and
Development (PCHRD) has helped develop the technology for a akapulko
herbal medicine lotion.
Akapulko is an erect, shrubby legume with dark green compound leaves. Akapulko leaves have
orange rachis that has 16-28 leaflets. Akapulko produces an axis of golden yellow flowers that
has 4-winged pods containing 50-60 flattened, triangular seeds. Akapulko flowers are enclosed
by yellow-orange bracts that are later shed in time.

akapulko, herbal medicine for skin disease
Akapulko is used as herbal medicine for the following skin diseases
Tinea infections,
insect bites,
ringworms,
eczema,
scabies and
itchiness.
Preparation and application of Akapulko herbal medicine
Pound Akapulko leaves, squeeze the juice and apply topically on affected area twice a day until
cured. There are commercially available Akapulko herbal medicine lotions in the Philippine
market for skin diseases treatment. If symptoms persist or irritation occurs, stop the use and
consult your doctor.

akapulko, herbal medicine for stomach problems
Akapulko is used as herbal medicine for the following stomach problems
Laxative to expel intestinal parasites,
diuretic
purgative.
Strong decoction of leaves are also known to cause abortion in pregnant women.
Preparation and application of Akapulko herbal medicine for treatment of stomach problems
Pound or cut a cup of Akapulko seeds, Akapulko leaves and flowers into manageable sizes then
let it seep in boiling water for 10 to 15 minutes to creat an Akapulko herbal tea. Let it cool and
drink a cup three times a day. The potency of Akapulko herbal tea is good to last for one day.
Make new Akapulko herbal tea as needed. When symptoms persist or irritation occurs stop the
use and consult your doctor.


akapulko, herbal medicine for lung and mouth problems
Akapulko is used as herbal medicine for the following lung and mouth problems:
Expectorant for bronchitis and dyspnoea,
mouthwash in stomatitis,
alleviation of asthma symptoms
Preparation and application of Akapulko herbal medicine for lung and mouth problems
As expectorant and for the alleviation of asthma attacks. Drink a cup of Akapulko herbal
medicine tea (see above for the preparation) three times a day until symptoms improved.
For the treatment of mouth infections such as stomatitis, gargle the Akapulko herbal tea three
times a day until symptoms improve.
If symptoms persist and irritation occurs, stop the use and consult your doctor.


preparation of akapulko herbal ointment
To prepare an Akapulko herbal ointment prepare and follow these instructions.
1. Wash fresh leaves of Akapulko thoroughly and cut in small pieces.
2. Add one glass of cooking oil or coconut oil to one glass of cut fresh leaves.
3. Fry until crispy.
4. Remove from the heat; strain.
5. Cut 2 white candles (Esperma No. 5) into small pieces
6. In a cooking pot, pour the strained oil together with the candle pieces; stir until the candle
has melted.
7. Pour the mixture into a clean container; cover when cool.
8. Apply the Akapulko herbal ointment to affected areas twice daily.
(Source: <www.doh.gov.ph/pitahc)


Senna alata, the Candle Bush, is an important medicinal tree as well as an ornamental
flowering plants in the subfamily Caesalpinioideae. It also known as a Candelabra Bush,
Empress Candle Plant, Ringworm Tree or "candletree". A remarkable species of Senna, it
was sometimes separated in its own genus, Herpetica
Senna alata is native to Mexico, and can be found in diverse habitats. In the tropics it grows up
to an altitude of 1,200 meters. It is an invasive species in Austronesia. In Sri Lanka this is use an
ingredient of Sinhala traditional medicine.
The shrub stands 34 m tall, with leaves 5080 cm long. The inflorescence looks like a yellow
candle. The fruit shaped like a straight pod is up to 25 cm long. Its seed are distributed by water
or animals. The leaves close in the dark.

Contents
1 Cultivation
2 Medicinal uses
3 Images
4 References
5 Sources
6 External links
Cultivation
The seed pods are nearly straight, dark brown or nearly black, about 15 cm long and 15 mm
wide. On both sides of the pods there is a wing that runs the length of the pod. Pods contains 50
to 60 flattened, triangular seeds.
Cassia alata is easy to grow from seed. The seeds may either be sown directly or started in a
nursery.
Medicinal uses
Cassia alata or Senna alata is often called the Ringworm Bush because of its very effective
fungicidal properties, for treating ringworm and other fungal infections of the skin. The leaves
are ground in a mortar to obtain a kind of "green cotton wool". This is mixed with the same
amount of vegetable oil then rubbed on the affected area 2-3 times a day. A fresh preparation is
made every day.
[1]
Its active ingredients include the yellow chrysophanic acid.
Its laxative effect, due to its anthraquinone content, is also well proven.